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because TV images showed referee Andre Marriner was close to the incident and appeared to be looking clearly at Aguero's tussle with West Ham defender Winston Reid.

Premier League rules state no retrospective action can be taken if the incident was seen by the official at the time.

But Halsey, in conversation on Twitter, made the shocking claim he had been told by PGMOL - the organising body for elite referees in England - to say he hadn't seen incidents that he had actually witnessed.

"I have been in that situation," he wrote, "when I have seen an incident and been told to say I haven't seen it."

When quizzed further on who had pressurised him, Halsey revealed: "To be fair to the FA... it's not them.

"It comes from within the PGMOL."

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The PGMOL was formed in 2001 to improve refereeing standards and provides officials for across the Premier League, Football League and FA competitions, receiving funding from all three bodies.

Halsey's alarming claims, which may have helped sway the results of retrospective appeals, should cause concern throughout football.

Referee Mark Halsey in action during his last match before retiring (Image: Alex Livesey)

Gary Neville approaches Mark Halsey

Gary Neville, the former Manchester United defender and Valencia boss, tweeted: "Is that not corrupt?

"Mark, I'd like to know who told you to say that!

"@FA and @premierleague think you have a major issue on your hands!!

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"Match officials submit their reports, including critical incidents, directly to the FA. Match officials ensure that their reports are a full and accurate description of the incident. There is no pressure from the PGMO to include or omit anything."